Krebs council postpones executive session on city clerk after attorney declines to attend

The Krebs City Council voted Dec. 16 to postpone an executive session on the employment status of City Clerk Cindy J. Cooper after the city attorney said she could not represent the city for the closed proceeding.

Mayor Tommy Ray Walker told attendees that "the state statute says we cannot have an executive session without a lawyer being in there," and that the attorney who had been expected to attend had called him and said to "tear up the check because she can't be the lawyer." The comment came as residents in the room sought clarification about whether their attendance had been required and why the meeting was posted.

Council member Connie Poole moved to postpone the agenda item; Council member Dan Heathcock seconded. Mayor Walker called the vote, recorded as: Dan Heathcock — yes; Connie Poole — yes; Jason Wagnon — yes. The motion passed.

During discussion before the vote, Walker said the city will seek an attorney with municipal experience and said it may be appropriate to separate the functions of city attorney and prosecutor. When Heathcock asked whether the council could provide suggestions, Walker said he would search for candidates and the council would then approve or reject the appointment.

The agenda originally cited "Oklahoma State Statute Title 25 Section 307" as the basis for the proposed executive session concerning the city clerk's employment. Because the designated attorney declined to participate, the council recorded no executive-session action and postponed further consideration until legal counsel is secured.

The minutes include the meeting certification that the notice was posted Dec. 11, 2024 and were signed by Cindy J. Cooper, city clerk. The council did not set a new date during the Dec. 16 meeting; Walker said the item would be rescheduled once counsel is found.